October 30, 2025

Why I Write:

When I was in high school, I was a quiet, shy, introverted kid. I rarely spoke. Then my ninth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Decker, taught a unit on poetry and fiction. I wrote poems and a short story. She liked what I wrote and encouraged me to do more. She even shared my poems and story with other students, and they liked what they read. At that point, I discovered I had a Voice. I could communicate with others through my writing. It was a confidence-boosting experience, and I am truly grateful to Mrs. Decker. I hope my writing will continue to give me a Voice.